In what may be the last pilot order this season, Fox has given the green light toGoodwin Games, a single-camera comedy from How I Met Your Mother co-creators/executive producers Carter Bays & Craig Thomas and fellow HIMYM executive producer Chris Harris. The project had been cast-contingent on securing Ugly Betty alumna Becki Newton as one of the leads. After lengthy negotiations, Newton, who fielded several other pilot offers, agreed to board the project, triggering a pilot order. The Goodwin Games, from 20th Century Fox TV where Bays, Thomas and Harris are under deals, revolves around three siblings, one played by Newton, who reconnect after the death of their father. The project extends Newton’s relationship with Bays, Thomas and Harris — she currently recurs on How I Met Your Mother. I hear that the HIMYM stint actually came out of an early exploratory meeting the actress had with Bays and Thomas about Goodwin Games. The project landed at Fox in September with a big put pilot commitment after a bidding war. Newton is with UTA, Management 360 and attorney Rick Genow. Bays and Thomas are with UTA, Harris is with CAA and 3 Arts.

6 Comments

Every time someone calls them “Carter and Bays,” Craig Thomas cries a little inside.

SF • on Feb 10, 2012 2:58 pm

So happy for Carter and Craig. Nicest guys around. Talented too.

Mark • on Feb 10, 2012 2:58 pm

Love that Becki Newton. A great comedic actress in the making. I would say that she was the best thing about “Ugly Betty” but I wouldn’t be being fair to Vanessa Williams (who I’ve never found to be anything other than lovely and nice albeit in limited dealings with her.)

David • on Feb 10, 2012 2:58 pm

Beautiful and funny leading lady, and a trio of amazing writers. Well done, Fox!